Field Observer

FOBS Incident Position Description

The Field Observer (FOBS) is responsible for collecting incident status information from personal observations at the incident and providing this information to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL), Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), Safety Officer (SOF), and other fireline resources as directed. The information may include fire perimeter location, on-site weather, smoke monitoring, fire behavior, fuel conditions, and fire effects information needed to assess firefighter safety and whether the fire is achieving established incident objectives and requirements. The FOBS typically works for the SITL in the Planning functional area.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at the assignment.
• Check in with the incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent
  from supervisor.
• Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position, as necessary.

Build The Team

• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
• Participate in operational briefings as directed.
• Communicate with Resource Advisors (READs) to ensure coordinated efforts and information sharing.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

Perform Field Observer-Specific Duties

• Determine location of assignment, types of information required, priorities, time limits for completion, methods of communication and documentation, and method of transportation.
• Coordinate travel to and from the fireline (e.g., travel routes, communication procedures, and accountability). Ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures. Identify ingress and egress routes. Consider bridge and road limits, equipment weight and length, and weather effects.
• Report special occurrences (e.g., structure/improved property loss or damage, accidents, or sickness) to supervisor.
• Through the established chain of command, assist the responsible land management agency and/or assigned READ with the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.
• Assist operations with data gathering related to the Structure Protection Plan.
• Use maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS), and other tools and applications to gather information and navigate on the incident.
• Obtain, record, and monitor weather and fire behavior data.
• Recognize and report atmospheric characteristics that influence fire behavior.
• Identify possible smoke sensitive areas (roads, communities, schools, hospitals, etc.) that may be impacted by smoke.
• Monitor and record smoke impacts and notify supervisor, Air Resource Advisor (ARA) and/or SOF when heavy smoke is present.
• Recon the assigned fire area.
• Plot fire perimeter on a map.
• Assist in preparing maps for use in Situation Unit, Incident Command Post (ICP), and IAP to ensure accuracy.
• Communicate notable fire behavior events with fireline supervisors and Situation Unit/FBAN, as appropriate.
• Notify Operational overhead when you are in their assigned area.
• Complete observation logs or forms for weather, fire behavior, fuel conditions, and fire effects, and take photos as assigned.
• Assist supervisor in preparing for daily briefings by providing current information on fire spread and behavior, weather, and threats to values at risk.
• Attend debriefings of operations personnel to obtain current situation information.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information. 
• Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.
• Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
  • Support resources
  • Adjacent resources
  • Supervisor
  • Other ICS functional areas
• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
  • Identify Hazards
  • Assess Hazards
  • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
  • Implement Controls
  • Supervise and Evaluate
• Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are established and known to all firefighters before they are needed. Refer to guidelines stated in IRPG.
• Use Look Up, Down and Around in IRPG to maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly. Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points to subordinates and supervisor.
• Utilize SOFs to assist with the risk management process and provide input into the safety of operations.
• Immediately report any condition that may cause danger or be a safety hazard to personnel.

Document

• Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • Agency-specific forms
  • Fire Behavior and Fuels Observation Reports/Forms and photo documentation (Fire Behavior Field Reference Guide, PMS 437).
  • Machine-readable GIS data and field observations.

Demobilize

• Plan for demobilization. Follow incident and agency demobilization procedures, ensuring that work/rest driving guidelines are followed.
• Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties when mobilizing and demobilizing (e.g., IMT or host agency).
• Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit. 
• Check out with the incident training coordinator for any trainees you supervised.
• Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
• Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the home unit.